From competing as an athlete to officiating on the continental stage, Nmeka Vivian Ogechi continues to carve a remarkable path in African armwrestling.
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The Imo State-born official, who currently serves as a referee under the Armwrestling Federation of Africa, represented Nigeria as an official during the 15th African Armwrestling Championship in Accra, Ghana — a moment she describes as both emotional and fulfilling.
Ogechi’s journey into the sport began in 2022 when she joined the Owerri-based club, Energy Gym House. Although she had admired armwrestling for over a decade, it was in 2022 that she fully committed to the sport and participated as an athlete at the African championship held at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, representing Nigeria in the women’s 65kg senior category.
However, an injury sustained during the competition altered the direction of her career. Rather than walking away from the sport she loved, she found a new calling in officiating after encouragement from Samuel Jackson, President of the Nigerian Armwrestling Federation.
“I have great passion for armwrestling and I couldn’t let an injury stop me from being where I love,” she explained.
Since transitioning into officiating, Ogechi has steadily developed into one of Nigeria’s promising young referees. She highlighted concentration, confidence, and deep knowledge of the rules as key requirements for success in armwrestling officiating.
“Armwrestling championships happen so fast. We need full concentration to understand what happens at the table and make quick, correct decisions,” she said.
During the championship in Accra, she encountered challenges ranging from loud background music at the venue to language barriers with some athletes.
However, teamwork and official sign language protocols helped ensure smooth officiating throughout the event.
Beyond the sport itself, Ogechi hopes her journey inspires more young women to pursue careers in sports officiating.
“Sports is a rewarding profession. Don’t give up on your dreams. With hard work and consistency, the sky is your starting point,” she encouraged.
Looking ahead, she remains determined to continue growing within the sport she loves, drawing inspiration from her favorite armwrestler, Devon Larratt, and his famous motto: “No Limits.”
